I enjoyed Colin Lamb as the sometimes narrator of this Hercule Poirot story. The spy craft seemed appropriate - and I liked that Poirot was not in theI enjoyed Colin Lamb as the sometimes narrator of this Hercule Poirot story. The spy craft seemed appropriate - and I liked that Poirot was not in the first half of the book. His trying to solve the case without leaving his apartment came off as appropriate for an older Poirot. A good story, but not my favorite....more
Although the spirituality was a bit heavy handed, I liked this first entry in a Guideposts series. I appreciated all of the literary references, and IAlthough the spirituality was a bit heavy handed, I liked this first entry in a Guideposts series. I appreciated all of the literary references, and I enjoyed the fact that it was a mystery without a murder. I enjoyed Mary's relationship with her sister Betty, and how Mary handled the break-in at her bookstore was both logical and generous....more
Not a book I would have chosen for myself, but it was well-written. I appreciated Camille's pangs of conscience in an untenable situation. I didn't liNot a book I would have chosen for myself, but it was well-written. I appreciated Camille's pangs of conscience in an untenable situation. I didn't like the sense of vigilante justice that was championed throughout the book - though it clearly illustrated the inherent dangers of this philosophy....more
I loved Tyler's reunion with Nicki - and how they overcame their doubts about each other. The twists that came about were both logical and well foreshI loved Tyler's reunion with Nicki - and how they overcame their doubts about each other. The twists that came about were both logical and well foreshadowed, especially with Nicki's nightmares about her mother's murder. A bit predictable, but overall satisfying....more
**spoiler alert** I liked the banter between Harriet and Lord Peter, but some of the twists took a little too long to play out. The concept of a hemop**spoiler alert** I liked the banter between Harriet and Lord Peter, but some of the twists took a little too long to play out. The concept of a hemophiliac being killed - and his condition making his time of death suspect - was a nice twist, but it took too long to get there. And while I appreciated the break down of the coded letter, I think it was excessive....more
I didn't like this novel as much as the other Cedar Key books. I loved Meagan as a heroine, and Hunter was a good foil for her in many ways. I didn't I didn't like this novel as much as the other Cedar Key books. I loved Meagan as a heroine, and Hunter was a good foil for her in many ways. I didn't buy Hunter's all-consuming concern with truth - especially once he knew Meagan's history. Having Blake call him on his "good son" pride came too late to be effective....more
I enjoyed this more than I was anticipating. Though it is part of a lengthy series, the plot and characters stood on their own. there were moments wheI enjoyed this more than I was anticipating. Though it is part of a lengthy series, the plot and characters stood on their own. there were moments when I wished I had more back story, especially when the characters' names came fast and furious. The concept of Lady Justice was well carried out, and I appreciated that even though it was set in the 2060s, the themes were universal. The abused and misused women Dallas and Peabody kept encountering rang emotionally true. I like that it seems like a plausible, though unlikely future. Also, Eve Dallas is a baseball devotee, which I have to love....more
I enjoyed how both Lana and Adam have doubts based on their past experiences. The plot surrounding Lana deciding to get custody of her orphaned nephewI enjoyed how both Lana and Adam have doubts based on their past experiences. The plot surrounding Lana deciding to get custody of her orphaned nephew was well-portrayed. I appreciated how Adam didn't want to change his plans to move, even as it became increasingly evident to everyone that he should. The end worked, even though it was a bit abrupt....more
Definitely not my favorite Poirot story. Because a lot of the scenes involved the author, Mrs. Oliver, there were perhaps more characters (and twists)Definitely not my favorite Poirot story. Because a lot of the scenes involved the author, Mrs. Oliver, there were perhaps more characters (and twists) than needed. While Poirot's attitudes toward the 1960s were entertaining, there were unnecessary clues that provided too many red herrings. There was also very little foreshadowing of the major twist, which detracted from the puzzle....more
I liked that this was a unique take on serial killers - Stephanie being stalked by an IT tech was effectively set up. I like that she and Rick alreadyI liked that this was a unique take on serial killers - Stephanie being stalked by an IT tech was effectively set up. I like that she and Rick already knew each other, which made the progression of their relationship feel believable and natural. And Rick's K9 partner Axle was an appreciated touch....more
I like the small town vibe of this book, and I appreciate that even though this was clearly not the first book in the series, it worked as a stand aloI like the small town vibe of this book, and I appreciate that even though this was clearly not the first book in the series, it worked as a stand alone. I found Deborah a comforting, credible narrator; I appreciated the switch to third person narration to show what others were thinking. The search for Dwight's son was well conceived with appropriate twists....more
I enjoyed Thea's self-sufficiency, which was an interesting twist for a princess. Ronin's mission to protect her (and clear his father's name) dovetaiI enjoyed Thea's self-sufficiency, which was an interesting twist for a princess. Ronin's mission to protect her (and clear his father's name) dovetailed nicely with his developing feelings for her. The pacing made sense since Thea's life was in almost constant danger. The subtlety of the final attack was intriguing and made for a great resolution....more
I enjoyed reconnecting with Darci and her son Jayden, who were introduced in Shattered Haven. Conner's desire for justice for his sister made the two I enjoyed reconnecting with Darci and her son Jayden, who were introduced in Shattered Haven. Conner's desire for justice for his sister made the two of them working together logical. I liked how they handled things with Conner's nephew, Kyle. The pacing was good, and the twists well-foreshadowed....more
I still struggle a bit with the time period of Lord Peter Wimsey, but this book was delightful in seeing Wimsey portray a second distinct persona. DeaI still struggle a bit with the time period of Lord Peter Wimsey, but this book was delightful in seeing Wimsey portray a second distinct persona. Death Bredon was an interesting character study, and I enjoyed Wimsey compartmentalizing his personas. The minor characters were fun, especially teenaged Ginger Joe, the delivery boy who helped Wimsey investigate....more
I enjoyed the similarities between Josiah and Ella's past experiences. The necessity of forgiveness was beautifully portrayed for both of them. RobbieI enjoyed the similarities between Josiah and Ella's past experiences. The necessity of forgiveness was beautifully portrayed for both of them. Robbie was a believable eight-year-old, and his fear at the events was as heart-breaking as his bonding with Josiah was sweet. I hope one of the future books in the series deals with Josiah's twin sister, Alex....more
I really enjoyed Theo Boone, the 13-year-old protagonist, who's the child of two lawyers. The fact that Theo is accused of stealing and turns out beinI really enjoyed Theo Boone, the 13-year-old protagonist, who's the child of two lawyers. The fact that Theo is accused of stealing and turns out being framed (and stalked) for the crime was an interesting plot point in the mystery. Both of Theo's parents and his Uncle Ike are unique characters I wouldn't mind reading more of....more
I feel like Monk does not translate into novel form well. Part of it was that even though this was clearly "late" Monk, it felt like "early" Monk, espI feel like Monk does not translate into novel form well. Part of it was that even though this was clearly "late" Monk, it felt like "early" Monk, especially in his interactions with other people. I also didn't particularly enjoy the first person point of view (I love Natalie, but she's no Dr. Watson). While it makes sense for Natalie to tell the story, I think a third person narrator would better serve the storyline....more
I loved that Claire and Adam had a long-standing connection. Their romance moved along well, even as they sought to bring in bail jumpers. This struckI loved that Claire and Adam had a long-standing connection. Their romance moved along well, even as they sought to bring in bail jumpers. This struck me as a more realistic approach to bounty hunting than the Stephanie Plum novels. However, the pacing was impacted by the drawn-out ending....more
I appreciated the fact that Hannah was struggling with whether or not to rejoin the Amish community she chose to run away from. Spencer's ability to wI appreciated the fact that Hannah was struggling with whether or not to rejoin the Amish community she chose to run away from. Spencer's ability to work with the Amish as an Englisher sheriff made the two of them a good match. I loved Sarah and Emma's gradual acceptance of Hannah as their caretaker after their mother's death. My only issue with the novel was how rapidly things moved with the bad guys at the end....more
At first I was confused by the switching back and forth between first and third person narrators, but I wound up loving the overall effect. Millie, a At first I was confused by the switching back and forth between first and third person narrators, but I wound up loving the overall effect. Millie, a woman who survived a serial killer in the African bush, tells her story in first person, which is interspliced with the Boston PD investigation hinting back to the same murderer. Suspense was well-drawn out, and the foreshadowing still supported the twists at the end....more
Judine Brey
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Books:
mystery
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